On the newscast last evening, it was alleged that the male vet involved in this story had previously lost his licence.

WEB EXTRA: One more horse dies; vets under investigation

By Monique Tamminga - Langley Times

Published: December 15, 2008 4:00 PM
Updated: December 15, 2008 4:43 PM

One of five emaciated horses rescued last week from a south Langley property died on Saturday, despite round-the-clock care at the the SPCA's Surrey shelter.

In the meantime, the two horse owners were evicted from their 208 Street rental property on Monday.

The alleged horse owners are veterinarians Mark Morohn and Carol Schoyen. According to the regulatory body for B.C. veterinarians, Schoyen is a registered vet in good standing and Morohn's license has been suspended because he hasn't paid his fees, said Val Osborne, registrar of the B.C. Veterinary Medical Association.

The BCVMA put out a press release about what steps they are taking in regards to the 'disturbing' issue.

"The public has every right to expect that the BCVMA as the licencing body will take effective action to ensure that the public is served by a competent and ethical profession.

"The BCVMA is awaiting an official report from a competent authority on this matter. That report could form the basis of an investigation under the Veterinarians Act," said the press release.

"All the horses have been under close veterinary care and we have someone staying with them 24 hours a day because they are so weak," says Eileen Drever, senior animal protection officer for the BC SPCA.

"Sadly, despite everyone's efforts, we lost one of the horses on Saturday. He just couldn't overcome the odds to survive."

A vigil continues for the four remaining horses.

"The SPCA is immensely grateful for the incredible support we have received from individuals willing to help the horses through financial donations, gifts of hay, thermal blankets and other items and offers to provide foster care," says Drever.

Most of the help is coming from Langley residents, she said.

"The horses are in serious condition, but with the outpouring of support we have received, they will have the best possible chance to pull through."

Last week, the SPCA was called out after two Langley residents attempted to use an emaciated seven-year-old gelding to pull their uninsured car out of a ditch. The horse had to be humanely euthanized at the scene due to critical distress.

The SPCA is continuing the investigation and will be recommending charges of animal cruelty.

However, it could be more than a week before charges can be laid, said Drever.

"We need the full reports from vets and now we need results from not one but two necropsies," she said.

A petition has started calling on the BCVMA to revoke the licences of the two accused vets. In two days, 700 people have signed it.